How to clean up cache on Xiaomi from all applications: the complete guide

Modern Xiaomi smartphones running on the shell of MIUI or the new HyperOS are high performance, but even they can slow down over time. The main reason for the slowdown is often accumulated garbage in the system that is not removed by standard cleaning tools. Users often look for a way to Xiaomi to clear the cache from all applications at once, so as not to waste time manually processing each installed software separately.

Android has the default ability to massively clean temporary files for all programs at once, and it's done for security reasons so that apps don't delete each other's data without the user's knowledge. But there are proven methods to get around this limitation and make deep-device optimizations. Deep cleaning requires care, but the result is worth it.

In this article, we will discuss all the available methods, from built-in tools to advanced methods for power users, you will learn how to activate hidden functions of the system and whether it is worth deleting all data at once. Deleting cache does not affect your personal photos, contacts and documents, only temporary program files are deleted.

Why you need to clean the cache on Xiaomi smartphones

Cache is a temporary file that applications create to speed up their work, such as a browser that stores copies of pages visited, and social networks that store images from the feed, so that when they open again, they load instantly, and over time, this data can reach several gigabytes, which is critical for models with a small amount of internal memory.

If cache files are corrupted or take up too much space, it can lead to unstable programs, crashes or interface freezes. Regular prevention helps maintain system stability and frees up useful space, especially for devices that are actively used and have many installed games and heavy applications.

But you have to understand the difference between the cache and the application data, and if you clean the data, it will go back to the state immediately after installation, and you will have to log in again, and the cache can be deleted safely, although after this procedure, the application can load a little longer on the first run, re-forming temporary files.

⚠️ Note: Before conducting mass operations with system files, it is strongly recommended to back up important data to the cloud or computer to eliminate any risk of loss of information.

Standard cleaning methods through system settings

The safest, but time-consuming way is to manually clean through the application management menu, and in the MIUI shell, the path to these settings is standardized, allowing you to quickly get to the desired section, you need to go to Settings, then select the App item, and then All Apps.

Here you'll see the full list of installed software. Unfortunately, the "Clear All" button is missing. You'll have to go to each application separately, press Memory and select Clear Cache. This method is suitable if you want to clean 3-5 heavy programs, such as messengers or navigators, which take up the most space.

To speed up the process, you can use sized memory sorting, which allows you to immediately find the heavyweights and clean them, ignoring the system utilities that take up minimal space, which saves time and allows you to focus on the main users of resources.

Use of the Engineering Settings and Security Menu

Xiaomi smartphones have a built-in Security app that offers a "Clean Up" feature that scans the system for junk files, including app cache, ad files and remnants of remote programs, and you can start the scan by pressing a large green button in the center of the application interface.

Once the analysis is complete, the system will suggest removing the debris found. However, the standard cleaner often works superficially and does not touch the cache of some system applications or deep-hidden temporary files. For a deeper cleaning, you can find the Deep Cleanup section in the Security menu, which analyzes files in download folders and browser cache.

It is important to note that automatic cleaners may not remove the cache of processes running in the background. Therefore, before starting a deep cleanup, it is recommended to close all active applications through the multitasking menu (swipe up and hold or square button), this will free up RAM and allow the scanner to work more efficiently.

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For maximum efficiency, run a standard cleaning after restarting your phone when the background processes haven’t yet accumulated new debris.

Activate hidden functions through the developer menu

One of the most effective ways to clear the cache on Xiaomi from all applications is in the developer menu. By default, this section is hidden from the eyes of the average user. To activate it, you need to go to Settings → About phone and quickly click 7-10 times on the MIUI version (or OS version).

Once you have become a developer, go back to the main settings menu and find the Additional → For Developers section. In this menu, you need to scroll down to the Apps section. There you will find the option to Remove Google Play Services (do not touch!) and, more importantly, the ability to manage processes. However, there is no direct button to Clear All Cache, but there is a feature to reset application settings.

In the same section, you often find the item "Do not remain active" or "Limit background processes": setting a limit of background processes to "No background processes" or "No more than 1" causes the system to aggressively unload applications from memory, which indirectly helps to clean their temporary buffers. After cleaning the setting, it is better to return to the original state so that multitasking does not suffer.

Radical method: Resetting application settings

There is a feature that allows you to reset the preferences of all applications at once. This does not delete the applications themselves or their personal data (photos, correspondence), but resets all permissions, default settings and, importantly, clears the cache for all programs at once. You can find this option along the way: Settings → Apps → menu (three dots on the top right) → Reset application settings.

Once confirmed, the phone may be a little “thinking” because the process affects the system configuration tables, and once completed, all applications will behave as if you installed them for the first time: when launched, they will ask permissions to access the camera, microphone and geolocation.

This method is the most effective answer to the question of how to clear the cache of all applications at once without using third-party software. It guarantees the removal of all temporary files that may have been stuck in the system. However, be prepared to spend 10-15 minutes reconfiguring notifications and permissions for important messengers.

⚠️ Warning: Resetting your app settings will turn off alarm clocks and vibrations when dialing.Be sure to check these features after the procedure is complete so you don't miss an important call or sleep.

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Reset application settings is the only standard method in MIUI/HyperOS, which is guaranteed to clear the cache of all programs with one click, but requires reconfiguring access rights.

Using ADB for Advanced Cleaning

For users who are not afraid of the computer and the command line, there is the most powerful tool, Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which allows you to send commands directly to the Android system, bypassing the interface limitations, which requires you to enable debugging over USB in the developer menu and connect the phone to the PC.

With the adb shell pm trim-caches 9999999, you can force Android to delete the cache of all the applications that are taking up space. The number at the end of the command indicates the target amount of free memory that you want to free up. By putting a huge number, you order the system to clear everything that you can.

adb shell pm trim-caches 999999999

This command is secure for personal data, but requires ADB drivers on your computer and debugging enabled. If the command is successful, you won't see a long list of files, the system will just confirm execution or not display anything to the console, but space on the phone will be freed up instantly.

Automation through third-party utilities

If manual methods seem too complicated, you can use specialized cleaning applications like SD Maid or Files by Google. These programs have special permissions that allow them to clear the cache of other applications. SD Maid, for example, has a feature called "AppCleaner" that finds residues and cache.

However, on modern versions of Android (11, 12, 13, 14 and above), Google has significantly restricted third-party applications from accessing the file system of other programs, so even specialized software may require a connection to a computer via ADB to grant advanced rights (Shizuku) or will only clean its own cache and shared folders.

These tools are convenient for regular maintenance, but don’t expect miracles: they can’t remove the cache of root-protected system processes, but they do a great job of keeping browsers and social media litter out of them. Regular use of these assistants prevents a critical mass of temporary files from accumulating.

⚠️ Warning: Avoid installing questionable accelerators and antiviruses from advertising, often the source of garbage and intrusive notifications, consuming battery and processor resources.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)